London has long been the star of the silver screen, and today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to discover the city’s spots that made these iconic films and TV shows shine. Tutti, the leading platform for booking creative spaces, has peeled back the curtain to unveil the locations that played a crucial role in bringing these stories to life. From royals to rogue spies, beloved bears to sinister droogs, these London hotspots have seen it all.
1. The King’s Speech (2010)
Colin Firth’s unforgettable performance as King George VI takes centre stage in “The King’s Speech.” This critically acclaimed film delves into the real-life struggles of King George VI as he grapples with a speech impediment. His journey towards overcoming this impediment and his growing friendship with speech therapist Lionel Logue, portrayed brilliantly by Geoffrey Rush, is at the heart of this compelling story. “The King’s Speech” offers a glimpse into the life of a seemingly ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances during a pivotal moment in British history.
Battersea Power Station: Witness King George’s historic 1939 WWII radio broadcast in this recently restored control room at Battersea Power Station, which you can actually book to give your next project a touch of timeless elegance. Featuring a gold-coffered glass ceiling and original Art Deco finishings, it captures the charm of an era gone by.
33 Portland Place: Before Buckingham Palace, 33 Portland Place stepped in as the Duke and Duchess of York’s residence. A beautiful Georgian townhouse that retains many of its original features. Many of the interior shots, including the memorable penguin story scene, were filmed here.
2. Paddington (2014-2017)
Meet Paddington Bear, the quintessential Londoner. The 2014 and 2017 films captured the essence of London in these iconic spots. These heartwarming films have secured their place as modern classics by featuring famous landmarks and capturing the essence of modern London.
Paddington Station: Named after the bear’s discovery, this station stood in for some scenes. The real exterior? Marylebone Station. And just outside Paddington Station stands a bronze Paddington bear statue, a must-see for fans of the beloved bear.
Portobello Road: Samuel Gruber’s antique shop in the films is Alice’s Antiques on Portobello Road. Visitors flock here to experience Paddington’s magic.
The Natural History Museum: This grand museum played a crucial role in the original “Paddington” film’s plot. It’s where Millicent Clyde, played by Nicole Kidman, hatched her sinister plans.
3. The Fourth Protocol (1987)
In this Cold War thriller, London becomes a battleground. “The Fourth Protocol” stars Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan, and it’s directed by John Mackenzie. The narrative revolves around a British intelligence agent’s suspenseful efforts to stop a rogue KGB operative from detonating a nuclear bomb in the United Kingdom, with London serving as the prime backdrop.
The Barbican Theatre: Witness a tense concert scene filmed in the Barbican Centre’s theatre hall. This venue, available to book for your own creative project, retains its art deco charm and is perfect for various events.
Primrose Hill: A scene unfolds as Preston flies a plane over Primrose Hill, highlighting London’s evolving skyline.
Royal Albert Hall: This iconic venue makes a brief appearance as Irina Vassilievn and Petrofsky exchange the final component of a bomb.
4. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
The Da Vinci Code,” directed by Ron Howard and based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, takes viewers on a thrilling journey across Europe. Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, portrayed by Tom Hanks, and cryptologist Sophie Neveu, played by Audrey Tautou, work together to unravel a religious conspiracy. London plays a role in this gripping tale, with these key locations:
Fairfield Halls: In the film, Langdon delivers a lecture in the “Parisian” lecture hall, which is actually the Concert Hall of Fairfield Halls, available to book yourself in Croydon. Despite the geographical twist, this venue fits perfectly into its role as the setting for a world-leading symbologist’s lecture.
Temple Church: Langdon and Neveu follow a series of cryptic clues that initially lead them to Temple Church in London, a 12th-century church built by the Knight’s Templar. However, the true secret lies elsewhere, unveiling a deeper mystery.
5. You: Season 4 (2023)
Season 4 of “You” takes a unique twist as it unfolds against the backdrop of London’s diverse neighbourhoods. Joe, played by Penn Badgley, embarks on a journey filled with intriguing plot twists.
Spitalfields: In this season, viewers are treated to some geographical liberties, with Joe taking a long and unexpected walk through South West London, even strolling through Spitalfields and Shoreditch. The scenic route adds an interesting layer to the story.
Royal Victoria Dock: The final episode of the season brings us to Royal Victoria Dock, a dramatic location featuring Canary Wharf’s towering skyscrapers and numerous cranes, providing a gritty and intense atmosphere for a climactic scene.
6. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film “A Clockwork Orange” is renowned for its distinctive settings that perfectly match the dystopian narrative. London provides the perfect canvas for this cinematic masterpiece.
Thamesmead Estate: Many scenes in the film are set in the brutalist housing estate called Thamesmead Estate in South East London. This sprawling concrete complex, overlooking Southmere Lake on the bank of the River Thames, fits the film’s imposing and dystopian feel.
Wandsworth Prison: The exterior shots of Parkmoor Prison were filmed at HMP Wandsworth in South West London. An aerial shot of the Panopticon-style prison adds to the film’s overall atmosphere.
7. Top Boy (2011-2023)
East London’s crime drama “Top Boy” has taken viewers on a gripping journey through the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney. While the series features shots of various housing estates in London, some locations remain constant throughout the show.
Ridley Road Market: Ridley Road Market, located in Dalston, serves as a historic landmark and community hub that has operated as a central marketplace for over a century. The market plays a significant role in the show, serving as the backdrop for street scenes, including discreet drug deals involving characters like Jaq and Si.
Number One Café: A wood-panelled café located in London Fields becomes the setting for pivotal discussions between characters like Sully and Dushane. This café, thanks to its portrayal in the show, has garnered attention from fans and visitors.
London offers a wealth of creative settings that have featured in many of our favourite films and TV shows. The city’s diverse backdrop, with its historic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods, has played a central role in bringing the magic of cinema and television to life. If you’re looking to discover the perfect creative space, Tutti provides a seamless platform to explore London’s iconic locations. To find out more, visit: www.tutti.space
